NCQA Accreditation evaluates how well health plans manage all parts of its delivery system – physicians, hospitals, other providers and administrative services – in order to continuously improve the quality of care and services provided to its members. Meridian holds this accreditation until December 17, 2016, when Meridian will pursue accreditation renewal.

"We are very proud of earning this status from NCQA," said Jon Cotton, President and Chief Operating Officer of Meridian Health Plan's Michigan affiliate. "It is a testament to the dedication of our staff and provider network working to fulfill our mission of improving the quality of care in a low-resource environment."

NCQA Accreditation surveys include rigorous on-site and off-site evaluations of over 60 standards and select Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) measures. A team of physicians and health plan experts conduct accreditation surveys. A national oversight committee of physicians analyzes the team's findings and assigns an accreditation level based on the performance of each plan being evaluated to NCQA's standards. The standards are purposely set high to encourage health plans to continuously enhance their quality.

"NCQA's Excellent Accreditation status is reserved for the best health plans in the nation," said Margaret E. O'Kane, President of NCQA. "It is only awarded to those plans that meet or exceed NCQA's rigorous requirements for consumer protection and quality improvement and deliver excellent clinical care."

About NCQA NCQA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA is committed to providing health care quality information for consumers, purchasers, health care providers and researchers.